Magnificent Maggiore

Day 1: UK/Baveno
Depart on your scheduled flight to Milan. On arrival, transfer to the pretty resort of Baveno, which sits on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Check in to your hotel, the Hotel Beau Rivage, where you will stay for the next seven nights.

Baveno is a delightful combination of narrow streets and small squares with a pretty promenade along the lake’s shore. It is also home to a charming church from which many artists have taken inspiration, including Sir Winston Churchill. Baveno is also an excellent base from which to explore, we have arranged a superb selection of optional excursions for you to join as you wish.

Day 2: Borromean Islands tour
A wonderful way to become familiar with Lake Maggiore is to visit two of its most famous islands. Today we offer a full-day optional excursion to help you do just this. You will board a private boat and visit tiny Isola dei Pescatori, which has been home to a large fishing community for more than 1,000 years. Your cruise continues to neighbouring Isola Bella. This small island is wholly occupied by the Palazzo Borromeo and its extravagant terraced gardens.

Day 3: Centovalli Railway
Today we offer a full-day optional excursion across the Centovalli, or Hundred Valleys. On this 90-minute scenic train journey you will travel through remote hillside villages and over high bridges to Locarno, passing by thundering waterfalls, neat vineyards and chestnut forests en route. Later, you will return to Baveno on a relaxing cruise which allows you to appreciate the spectacular location from an alternative viewpoint.

Day 4: Zermatt
If you choose to join today’s optional excursion you will take a scenic coach journey across the Simplon Pass. Enjoy breathtaking views as you cross the border into Switzerland, where you will board a train for the short journey from Tasch in the Matter Valley to the mountain resort of Zermatt, which is dominated by the towering Matterhorn.

Day 5: Lake Como
After breakfast today join your Tour Manager on an included full-day excursion to Maggiore’s sister lake, beautiful Lake Como. You’ll visit the charming town of Como itself, which boasts a historic centre, enticing shops and attractive lakeside walks. Why not stroll along the promenade and admire the oleanders and lime trees.

Day 6: Lake Orta
Spend today at leisure or visit picturesque Lake Orta on our full-day optional excursion. Situated at the foothills of the Alps, the quaint village of Orta boasts exquisite scenery. While you are here you will visit a traditional outdoor market where you can mingle with the local people and gain an insight into their way of life.

Day 7: Macugnaga
Our final optional excursion takes you to the Anzasca Valley and the Alpine resort of Macugnaga, a popular destination for winter sport enthusiasts. In the summer months, mountaineers make their way to the town, a picturesque location where you can while away a few hours as you admire the glorious setting and the spectacular views of nearby Mount Rosa. After this half-day visit, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Baveno/UK
Your holiday comes to an end today as you transfer to the airport in Milan for your flight back to the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation is of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is:

3-star Hotel Beau Rivage in Baveno
This centrally located hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry landing stage and convenient for the resort’s amenities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and lift. In addition, the Beau Rivage benefits from a spacious lounge area, terrace, garden and swimming pool. All bedrooms have en suite facilities, telephone, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Lake Como (full day)

Optional excursions

Pre-bookable excursion package
Borromean Islands (full day), Zermatt (full day), Macugnana (full day)

Borromean Islands and Villa Taranto Gardens (full day, moderate walking) £52
For full details of this excursion please see page 13 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Centovalli Railway to Locarno (full day, moderate walking) £64
For full details of this excursion please see page 14 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Lake Orta and local market (full day, moderate walking) £40
For full details of this excursion please see page 15 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Macugnaga (half day, minimal walking) £39
For full details of this excursion please see page 19 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Zermatt (full day, moderate walking) £58
For full details of this excursion please see page 22 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
7 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes